What keeps me motivated is my health, my love for outdoor actives, and the desire to grow old in the best shape I can. I do not want to be old and stuck at home. I want to hike, bike, play, even when I am in my seventies! I want to chase my grand kids, I want to travel with my husband, and I want to have unlimited amounts of energy....I want to stay fit for life!
You have to accept fitness as a permanent part of life. It is not something you do to lose a few pounds, it is something you do to maintain optimal health. Without it, you are doing great harm to your body. Where do you begin? Here are some tips to Get Fit And Stay Fit!
1. Make a workout schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This is so important! We make time for our favorite shows, girls nights out, and monthly hair appointments, so we need to do the same for fitness. Try to start with a three day plan like Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Pencil yourself in, and workout 1 hour on each of those days! Do NOT cancel these appointments! They are more important than hair appointments, lol!
2. Take classes or join a gym! Gym memberships are more affordable than ever, and classes are now available pretty much every day of the week, morning and evening! Taking part in a gym community is awesome motivation! Being around others who have similar health goals is very motivating. It is also a great way to make some new friends and maybe a new workout partner!
3. Variety is really the spice of life! Don't get stuck in a rut, try new work outs, switch it up, and keep it fresh! There are so many ways to get fit; weight training, HIIT, Tabata, Insanity, running, walking, swimming, Zumba, Hooping, etc., etc.! If you keep your workouts fresh and fun, you will never get bored!! Don't focus on only one thing like running, try running once a week, and the other 2 days focus of weight training, or a fitness class. This will not only keep you from dreading the same old routine, but will help you get in even better shape!
4. Don't focus on weight loss or your size! Just have fun!!! The more you focus on your weight, the harder it becomes to lose it, and the more you will dislike exercise! Focus on having fun! Watch your fitness level improve, compete with yourself and see how much faster you can get, or how much heavier you can lift! If you have weight to lose, it will come off eventually, just don't focus on it!!
5. Get outdoors as much as possible!! Being active outside may not feel like traditional exercise, but it is even better! Not only are you burning hundreds of calories, but you are also breathing in fresh air, and soaking up some vitamin D. There are many ways to stay active in every season. Winter is great for skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, or just walking. Spring is perfect to start jogging! The weather is a bit warmer and the ice has melted off the roads. If running isn't your thing, check out some hiking trails, or maybe Spring skiing!! Summer brings hot temps and the open water! Swimming is such great exercise! Hit the lakes, rivers, and oceans and get in the water! And there is always yard work to be done, rake leaves, mow the lawn, get in the garden, and get busy!
6. Hire a personal trainer! Many think this is so expensive, but honestly, it is so affordable these days! Trainings will vary anywhere from $30 to $50 an hour! If you see a trainer once a week, they will help design a workout for you, that suits your goals and needs. Trainers will also push you harder and help keep you focused. There is no quitting with a trainer, lol! They will keep workouts interesting, fun, and fresh, all you have to do is show up!
There is no reason a fitness routine cannot be a lifelong commitment! If you want a future with great health, then get moving!! A body in motion stays in motion! Learn to LOVE working out, try new things, make friends at the gym, find a support system and just do it!! You won't regret it!
